Arch’s Comments (group member since Oct 24, 2015)

Arch’s comments from the Predictions! group.

Yes I did! It was much better than I expected!

A Song of Ice and Fire is written by George R.R. Martin. You might know it better by the tv show that's based on it...Game of Thrones! :P

Martin based the series on LotR, and I've heard there's a lot of similarities. It doesn't have elves, but it does have dragons and pirates!!!

Yeah, far too much retconning!!! Also the timelines became way too confused, and it messed with the time travelling rules established in the Prisoner of Azkaban?

Hey guys! Welcome to the group :)

Fantasy and adventure books are just my favourite genre, I think. I particularly love medieval fantasy. I haven't actually read Lord of the Rings, even though I'd probably really like it. I have however read A Song of Ice and Fire, which I really really love.

Digger wrote: "I agree. I read it a while back, and it wasn't AS good."

Yeah, exactly. It was OK, but I can't really compare it to the brilliance of the original series.

Hey guys!!! Sorry I've been so inactive recently, but my exams should be over soon!

I've created a threat in the released folder where you can discuss the book, with spoilers!!! Please keep this thread spoiler-free in the meantime for those who haven't read it yet, and still want to use it. Thank you!

Hey guys!

So I know the book is out now, and some of you have read it. Since I want to keep the predictions thread for this book spoiler-free for those who haven't read it, you can discuss the book here!

How did the book match up to your expectations? Better? Worse? Did what you predict come true? What did you think of the characterisation? How did it compare to the first book?

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A SPOILER-FREE FORUM.

I myself haven't read the book yet, because I've got exams right now (which is why I've been fairly inactive recently). In a couple of weeks though I'll read it and come here to discuss it with you guys! In the mean time, enjoy discussing. This thread is probably more for discussing how it went as opposed to how you thought it would, and your reactions to this book. In a short while I'll create a Predictions thread for the third book, and any predictions you have can go there.

I hope this all makes sense :)

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "I honestly haven't read The Hidden Oracle in ages so I can't remember if he got some power back at the end. However, I think that sort of progressive thing wou..."

I agree it would make more sense to get some ability back. I'm thinking he might be closer to being a demigod by the end than anything else. I think it would be cool if he faces Python with others, specifically Meg. It's very possible he's alone, but I think in some way or another he'll get assistance from Meg, and possibly others.

I thought CHB and CJ would combine at the end of Blood of Olympus, and now I see very little chance of it happening. I still think Rick is unlikely to change the status quo too much, so to speak...but you never know, this is the last series.

In fact, having said that makes me doubt a Reynollo break up (and so doubt Reynollo). Unless it happens in book 4 or something, I don't think Rick will want to end the series on a breakup? That would seem bittersweet, and as this is Rick's last trilogy he probably wants to end up wrapping everything and ending on a high note. But it could happen in book 4... and then they sort of reunite as friends in the last one? Hmm...

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "I honestly haven't read The Hidden Oracle in ages so I can't remember if he got some power back at the end. However, I think that sort of progressive thing would be really really reall..."

I still can't shake the feeling that it will be sort of a mix... so even if Apollo is slowly getting his power back, he still isn't extremely powerful by the end, his fight against Python is still a challenge. I think he'll start the fight in that state. Something will happen, and then he'll be a god again, and finish it off.

Having said that, I could see it going other ways. He could have done some epic quest before and become a god, and then gone to fight Python. Like you said, it would still be a challenge even as a god, so would still make a good fight scene. Alternatively he may be forced to defeat him as a mortal/demigod! (With help.) That may be a condition for his return to godhood.

He could die after defeating Python, only to then come back as a god...it basically required him to beat Python and so die... So yeah, definitely loads of possibilities now that I think about it.

I think it would be odd to have Apollo not stay at Olympus. I think Rick will make him go back even though he is reformed. I remember before BoO loads were wondering if Camp Jupiter would merge with Camp half-blood or something, but in the end nothing happened. I kind of feel like this situation is sort of comparable, I wouldn't expect Rick to change the status quo drastically.

A Reynollo break up could be good actually... It would be nice to see a breakup, refreshing for sure. And I'm not sure if Reynollo would ever work permanently, god-mortal relations would get so complicated, so a breakup might actually work well? Hmm...

I honestly haven't read The Hidden Oracle in ages so I can't remember if he got some power back at the end. However, I think that sort of progressive thing would be really really really cool, him slowly getting more powers back.

Like, I don't know, sort of how the more trials he completes, the more powerful he becomes? Obviously it's really slow, but maybe by the end he's even slightly closer to being a demigod than a mortal? It would also make his fight against Python a lot more believable if he wasn't pretty much mortal.

But yeah, the final transition to godlyhood will still be a big step in my opinion and it will happen in the end.

Also, I think Meg and Apollo will get closer but maybe not in the next book, as I'm guessing it's going to take at least a book to establish Meg on Apollo's side again. I too wonder what their relationship will be like when (or if) Apollo is a god again.

Also, I really hope we see Meg's powers develop...

I agree about Zeus, in all honesty. He's always confusing and to be honest I just don't get his logic.

I love the Singer of Apollo!! Now that you mention it, it could be relevant, I think Apollo will probably mention the singers (in fact I think he already did once). I doubt it will have any greater significance though? Especially since a lot of fans don't know about it

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "caramelfeet wrote: "I'..."

I think Zeus would be on Apollo's side, especially once he finds out about the emperors if he didn't know already. I think part of the reason Zeus is making Apollo do these things, is because he wants them to be done. So it works because it will be a punishment for Apollo since it's challenging, but ultimately he wants him to succeed? At least that's what I think.

I remember Hal (vaguely). I'd forgotten about him till you mentioned him, and now I think about it there are some interesting things to be found. We'll have to see if he comes up though, a lot of people wouldn't remember so maybe Rick wouldn't mention him?

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "caramelfeet wrote: "I'm not a fan of Leo being ..."

Sorry for the late reply! I definitely agree with you though. I think maybe Zeus knew something was going on? And maybe he wanted Apollo to deal with those problems, so delayed his arrival?

I know it sounds a little crazy, but think about this...Apollo landed in a dumpster that just happened to be near Meg and where the Beast had been? That seems oddly convenient. I can't remember if that's explained, if not, I reckon Zeus might have done it on purpose? Who knows, it's all very odd for sure...

Kr33p3rK1ll3r wrote: "Paolini said that we'd learn much more about Angela's past, and I believe that includes Tenga, from book 3. Exciting stuff, as Tenga can use magic without speaking."

Yaaaay more Angela is always a great thing. Honestly I can hardly remember Tenga but seeing more of him will be good.

But yeah, I definitely think the relationship between Eragon/Angela is one that needs to be explored more, in addition to just Angela. They had really good interactions, and I'd like to see more of that!

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "caramelfeet wrote: "I'm not a fan of Leo being held hostage simply becau..."

I think Apollo resenting other Olympians is a nice touch and would make a lot of sense. Obviously not serious resentment, but sort of annoyance at the fact they're not helping him, and they're still gods while he's struggling as a mortal etc.

Wait, how do we know the Triumvirate predicted Apollo's fall to the earth? Sorry, it's been a while since I've read the books, and I can't remember this! Can you remind me?

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "caramelfeet wrote: "I'm not a fan of Leo being held hostage simply because its a redundant plot l..."

Yeah I really hope the lengthy absence gets discussed. To be honest, I can't remember if it was talked about in the first book, and I wouldn't be too surprised if Rick doesn't address it...

It could be because the gods were discussing his punishment! It would be great if it were turned into a more sinister reason though...I can't think of anything though, can you?

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "caramelfeet wrote: "I'm not a fan of Leo being held hostage simply because its a redundant plot line thats been already be..."

Yeah, exactly. I feel like if ultimately Apollo uses his immortal powers to defeat the villains, then he's missed out the growth he had from being mortal? I just think there's something really nice in Apollo learning something as a mortal and using it to defeat the villains, because in some ways he's become stronger as a mortal than he ever was before.

I honestly can't remember...I think yeah maybe a comatose state? Out of curiosity, why did Zeus wait so long before sending Apollo down?

Do we think that will become a plot point? It would be interesting if it does become one.

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "caramelfeet wrote: "I'm not a fan of Leo being held hostage simply because its a redundant plot line thats been already been used plenty of times. ..."

I would prefer for him to fight his own battles, but I think it might not be as effective if he's an immortal again.

Last time when he faced Python, he was an immortal. The myths said he did it easily...and I think I remember Apollo saying that's a lie and it wasn't very easy, which actually could be foreshadowing that it won't be easy for an immortal either way. But still, being an immortal again during the final battle significantly lowers the stakes. I can imagine it happening for the final section of the battle, but he should go into the battle being mortal, in my opinion.

I think he definitely will return to Olympus eventually though. Him remaining mortal, right now at least, doesn't seem feasible. Though the events of the next books could change that.

Kr33p3rK1ll3r wrote: "Well, I'd thought back to it, and I'm curious about the vague warnings Glaedr gave Murtagh before he and Thorn left for the north. Also I hope this book comes out soon. My foot's twitching... Hmm..."

Edis wrote: "I think I may have found the hint in book 4 that Paolini is referring to. I don't have the book in front of me, but I'll paraphrase as best as I can remember. Murtagh warned Eragon as he left for t..."

These are all such interesting things to think about!!! I think you're probably right about Galbatorix's other servants. One thing I've always thought of is that there must be more to the story of how Galbatorix got so much power so quickly, and I think that perhaps these other powerful, unseen servants could have something to do with it..

I really hope we get answers to these other plot points as well!!!

The wrote: "Arch wrote: "The wrote: "caramelfeet wrote: "I'm not a fan of Leo being held hostage simply because its a redundant plot line thats been already been used plenty of times. I believe its just been u..."

I did think of the idea of Apollo remaining mortal, but honestly I can't see it happening. I think even within the frame of the series, it would be too unrealistic. Also, he is an actual immortal from this rich and deep mythology, and it's just so unlikely that Rick would make him mortal, I can't see it happening well to be honest.

I think it's possible Apollo could return to being a god then, but I also think it'd be really entertaining to see him fight while mortal, so he can't rely on his immortal powers that he's always relied on. I don't know how he'd do it, but I reckon he should take a leaf out of Annabeth's book of being being awesome without powers....